By MARILYN JOZWIK
There is a song from Disney’s “Frozen” that reminds me of Waukesha Civic Theatre’s presentation of “Mamma Mia!”
That song is “Let It Go!”
I have seen “Mamma Mia!” several times, but never had I seen it not only reach so many moments of sheer joy, but so many emotional peaks as well. It was as if director and choreographer Ami Majeskie said to this talented cast and crew, “Just let it go!”
With Abba’s popular, hummable tunes as the stars along with its plucky female characters -- about-to-be-married Sophie (Courtney Denzer) and her indomitable mom Donna (Brandite Reed), a rocker turned taverna owner -- and the beautiful, romantic setting of a tiny Greek island, “Mamma Mia!” has a lot going for it.
This show has it all, and lots of it! Fabulous vocals, from soloists to ensemble; sharp, snappy, energetic dancing and effective choreography; wonderful emotive performances; colorful costumes (Lisa Quinn); even a gorgeous multi-layered, multi-niched set (Evan Crain) and creative lighting (Mike Van Dresser). This show is about as good as it gets.
The story revolves around Sophie, who is getting married to Sky (William Coleman) at her mom’s Grecian isle inn. Sophie never knew her dad, but would love to have him give her away at her wedding. After reading about her mom’s romantic adventures around the time of her probable conception in her mom’s diary, Sophie realizes her dad could be one of three men. So, unbeknownst to her mom, she invites all three – Sam (Timothy Barnes), Harry (Ernesto Bellafonte) and Bill (Michael Fantry) – to the wedding. Other guests include Sophie’s best friends Lisa and Ali (Katrina Reigh and Brittany Roux) and Donna’s friends and bandmates Tanya and Rosie (Jaclyn Janowski and Katie Lynne Krueger). Pepper and Eddie (Ryan Vanselow and Christopher Orth), fun-loving inn staff, add lots of spice to the show. While Donna is reluctantly reacquainted with her romantic past, Sophie is grappling with her genetic past and unsure of her future with Sky.
The three might-be fathers of Sophie sing “Thank You for the Music” in a scene from Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!". Pictured are, from left, Michael Fantry (Bill), Ernesto Bellafonte (Harry), Timothy J. Barnes (Sam).
The thing that stands out from early on is the music, directed by Julie Johnson. Denzer’s Sophie gets things started with her ethereal “I Have a Dream,” which displays her sweet and crystal-clear vocals as well as the beautifully balanced ensemble, whose music washed over the whole show like gentle waves on the sand.
Every soloist impressed: Reed’s Donna with her incredibly bold, emotive vocals; the lovely harmonies of Reed, Krueger and Janowski in tunes like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia!”; Bellafonte’s deep, rich tones; Coleman’s seductive “Lay All Your Love on Me”; Barnes’ forceful “S.O.S.”.
Sophie confides to her best friends about what she learned in her mom’s diary in a scene from Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” Pictured are, from left, Katrina Reigh (Lisa), Courtney Denzer (Sophie), Brittany Roux (Ali).
The first half is simply rapid-fire energy, with super fun tunes like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Honey, Honey” and “Voulez Vous” performed with verve, while Act II gets more introspective, to the heart of the story. Act II opens with the several-minute instrumental “Entr’acte” accompanied by a stage bathed in lavender with clever spot lighting, creating a mini light show.
By the middle of Act II, the audience has fallen under the spell of this cast. It starts with an intense “Knowing Me, Knowing You” with Barnes’ Sam and Reed’s Donna belting out their emotions. I love Barnes’ embellishments, and the strength and purpose in his songs, but I thought he needed to occasionally pull back to leave a little more room for Reed’s outstanding vocals in the duets.
Bellafonte and Reed’s “Our Last Summer” is a thing of beauty with their vocals melding to a rich, mellow blend. It sets the stage for Reed’s tender “Slipping through My Fingers.” In one of the show’s sweetest moments, Donna gently helps Sophie into her wedding dress as the song continues. Denzer and Reed have such a wonderful connection, especially in that scene, which prompted retrieval of tissues as sniveling could be heard throughout the audience.
The ensemble and role players filled the stage with crisp choreography and beautiful musical blends during Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” Pictured are, from left, Mindy Pitchford (Ensemble), Jackson Wolf (Ensemble), Brittany Roux (Ali), Micah Liss (Ensemble), Michelle Delamatter (Ensemble), Alexa Ferrell (Ensemble), Vanessa Yenor (Ensemble), Olivia Gilberto (Ensemble)
Bookending the more serious moments are Tanya’s “Does Your Mother Know” and Rosie’s “Take a Chance,” two flings at romance performed with playfulness and vigor by Janowski and Krueger, respectively.
Putting an exclamation mark on the show is the finale with the whole cast returning to the stage for a few more numbers in glitzy outfits, demonstrating once again the gorgeous music, fabulous dancing and energy that make this such an enjoyable production.
If You Go:
Who: Waukesha Civic Theatre
What: “Mamma Mia!”
When: Through June 19
Where: 264 Main St., Waukesha
Info/Tickets: 262-547-0708/www.waukeshacivictheatre.org